Villain – Peeking at the Diary, the Female Leads’ Personas Collapse

Chapter 68

He then took out silver needles and began the treatment, moving with a flourish, like a magician.

The three elderly practitioners gaped in awe.

“How is this possible? This is a long-lost acupuncture technique!”

“How old are you? There’s no way! This technique has been lost for generations.”

“Could it be … Bian Que’s Nine Needles? Our plan wasn’t wrong; we just lacked the skill.”

As Ye Aotian skillfully manipulated the needles, blood began to seep out. He pressed a few acupoints on the old man, and soon, sweat appeared on his own forehead from the exertion.

Chen Fan nearly applauded. This guy really knows how to put on a show!

After a while, the old man’s breathing steadied, and his eyes gradually opened.

William called out excitedly, “Butler! You’re awake?”

“Young Master … where am I? Wasn’t I watering the flowers in the garden?”

“As long as you’re awake.”

Ye Aotian spread his hands and said, “Chen Fan, you really wasted so much money keeping these three good-for-nothings. Luckily, they didn’t cause any major harm. If they had, even a god couldn’t save him.”

Chen Fan glared at Ye Aotian, his face filled with rage, and coughed up blood. Zhu Yeqing quickly supported him.

“You just wait. I’ll see to it that you’re dead—completely dead!”

With that, he left with Zhu Yeqing’s help.

Fake coughing up blood was child’s play. Chen Fan could easily control his blood flow now, though he wasn’t entirely sure of his current level. Apparently, leveling up improved his acting as well.

What a performance! Heroines, be shocked, be astounded! Applaud! Cheer!

Meanwhile, in the room, Ye Aotian proudly looked at the women present. Jin Lan gave an indifferent shrug and left. Anna smiled slightly, looked at Ye Aotian, then turned away, muttering “idiot” under her breath. Lin Qingyue sighed and left the ward, while Ling Yuyan looked at him, disappointed. She’d been hoping for a fight, but no luck.

The supposed amazement on the heroines’ faces turned into mild contempt and even disdain, leaving Ye Aotian feeling like he’d swallowed something unpleasant.

Why isn’t anyone amazed or cheering? Am I not impressive enough? What’s going on here? I just performed an amazing feat, didn’t I?

Just then, his phone rang. Ye Aotian answered.

“What’s up?”

“Dragon King, one of our security firms was hit by a bomb. Many died.”

“What? Who did this?”

“Apparently, the Grand Duke issued a statement: anyone who seeks the Dragon King’s help will be considered an enemy of the Rothschild family. Our business is taking a heavy hit, and we have a funding shortfall.”

What? How could this happen?

***

At this moment, the most frustrated person was Ye Aotian. He had just made a grand show of his skill—he really showed off. But why was no one applauding? It wasn’t the admiration of random onlookers that he wanted; he cared about the reactions of those particular women. And yet, instead of amazement, he saw a look in their eyes as if they were looking at an idiot.

This made no sense. Logically, they should have been looking at him with admiration. That’s how it’s supposed to be for the protagonist, after all. A true protagonist could read emotions from others’ gazes, especially women, discerning whether they’re interested or not.

But this ability also made him keenly aware of their disdain. And as a protagonist, he thought, If you don’t respect me, I’ll wipe out your entire family. Otherwise, what’s the point of being the protagonist?

But now his overseas business had been hit. His overseas operations had been his pride, yet they were being dismantled by the Grand Duke.

“Withdraw all funds and assets; we’re pulling out completely. I don’t have the resources to keep dealing with this.”

Ye Aotian was shaken. He genuinely felt like he was losing control. Meanwhile, within him, the Earth Core Technique was circulating at a rapid rate. He sensed that he was on the verge of a breakthrough.

Interesting. He hadn’t expected that treating someone could yield such benefits.

The truth was, helping the butler took a toll on him. Normally, the Earth Core Technique, an aggressive form of internal energy cultivation, required a strong physique to support it. But since the heroines had been reading his diary, his cultivation had been plagued by physical injuries.

Additionally, due to a gunshot wound to his kidney, even though the bullet had been removed, it left residual damage. Now, forcibly using the Earth Core Technique had caused lasting harm. Though he seemed to grow stronger, his body was paying the price, though he was unaware of the true severity of it. For the protagonist, as long as he thought he was fine, he was fine.

“Master, are you sure? Overseas operations are everything to you.”

“It doesn’t matter. Dump all the physical assets—I don’t have the energy to manage it. I’ll focus fully on stocks here. I’ve made a name for myself now, so I can move into the domestic pharmaceutical industry.”

“As you wish, Master.”

It pained Ye Aotian deeply. Those were his hard-earned assets, but if he didn’t cut his losses now, he’d be like an ant trying to topple a tree. And he couldn’t understand for the life of him why the Grand Duke was targeting him. I haven’t even tried to woo Anna yet!

Meanwhile, Chen Fan was lounging in his room, enjoying some fruit during his midday break. Though he’d coughed up blood, he was unharmed. Still, he had checked in on the three elderly practitioners who had assisted him, feeling quite satisfied with them.

The upcoming plot was straightforward: Ye Aotian would soon meet someone, after which he’d interact with Lin Qingyue, while Chen Fan himself was due for a kidnapping.

His phone rang, and it was his father calling.

“Did something happen?”

“I’m the one who should apologize. I let you down, Father.”

Chen Tianqiang replied, “This isn’t your fault. I hadn’t expected a young man to be so proficient in Chinese medicine. Seems I underestimated him. But this time, you did well in making a brother of the Grand Duke.”

“Perhaps the Grand Duke was grateful I took care of Anna.”

“Good. Maintain that relationship. Although this will impact the company’s stocks, a small pharmaceutical venture is nothing for the Chen family. If it fails, let it. Consider it something for you to practice with.”

“Father, I will not let the pharmaceutical company fall.”

“Do your best. And remember to protect yourself. I’ll be sending some of our best to guard you over the next few days.”

No, don’t! I’d love for Ye Aotian to try killing me. That way, I’d be free of this plotline.

“Father, I think I can find my own guards. I trust my own ability to command skilled protectors.”

The other end of the line fell silent as Chen Tianqiang pondered his son’s words. “Well said, son. I’ll wait to hear of your success.”

Humming a tune, Chen Fan continued snacking on his fruit. Forget the guards—I’m fine as I am. Otherwise, how am I supposed to let the protagonist beat me?

However, he did have some tasks to handle. Just as he was about to call for Zhu Yeqing, she entered the room, knelt in front of him without hesitation, and said, “Young Master, please punish me.”

Damn it, Zhu Yeqing, are you trying to keep me single forever? Is this deliberate? Are you a time traveler or something?